Milky Way heavier than previously thought
Posted: Tue, Jan 6, 2009, 7:49 AM ET (1249 GMT)
The Milky Way galaxy is more massive and spins faster than astronomers previously believed, scientists reported Monday. Astronomers used the Very Long Baseline Array radio telescope to measures distances and motions within the galaxy, finding that objects were moving faster than previous estimates. The solar system, for example, rotates around the galaxy at a speed of over 960,000 km/h, up from previous estimates of 800,000 km/h. That increase in rotation means the Milky Way's mass is 50 percent higher than before, now 3 trillion solar masses, making it similar in size to the nearby Andromeda Galaxy.
The Milky Way galaxy is more massive and spins faster than astronomers previously believed, scientists reported Monday. Astronomers used the Very Long Baseline Array radio telescope to measures distances and motions within the galaxy, finding that objects were moving faster than previous estimates. The solar system, for example, rotates around the galaxy at a speed of over 960,000 km/h, up from previous estimates of 800,000 km/h. That increase in rotation means the Milky Way's mass is 50 percent higher than before, now 3 trillion solar masses, making it similar in size to the nearby Andromeda Galaxy.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, July 25
Govt says ISRO has developed & operationalised wide range of space
News on Air (India) — 10:15 am ET (1415 GMT) Editorial: Exodus at ISRO
Telangana Today — 10:14 am ET (1414 GMT) Blue Origin and NASA Partner to Test New Glenn's Upper Stage at Historic Stennis Space Center
Blue Origin — 10:12 am ET (1412 GMT) NASA center marks 60 years of tours with collectible popcorn bucket
collectSPACE — 10:11 am ET (1411 GMT) Blue Origin Turns To NASA For New Glenn Upper Stage Engine Test Site
Aviation Week — 10:10 am ET (1410 GMT) |
